PHP RFC: Deprecate INI set/get aliases

Introduction

There are number of INI set/get functions. This RFC proposes deprecation of these functions.

Use of ini_set()/ini_get() simplifies/improves/cleanups PHP. Some of these alias function names is inconsistent, some aliases are missing while similar INI setting may be set/get by aliases. Simple INI set/get alias functions are just making PHP complex, creating more inconsistencies. PHP needs no more INI set/get aliases at least, document use of ini_get()/ini_set() in the CODING_STANDARDS.

Pros

Less API, hence simpler API.

Modules will be less buggy. i.e. PHP_INI_MH() must handle “state” properly, but it tends to be forgotten, 3rd party modules especially.

Consistent coding style/API across modules, both internal and script.

Reduced documentations. INI descriptions are only in INI section.

Less documentations, hence less documentation bugs.

Better documentation. All user needs to know will be in INI section.

Awareness of INI setting use. Users are better to know they are using INI. i.e. All INI values has the same limitations, INI_SYSTEM/INI_PERDIR/INI_USER, stage limitations if any.

removing or disrupting functions without a very good reason
(such as, functionality going away or this function is abused or is
broken in many use cases) is wrong. These functions don't seem broken,
they just do something that you can do in another way. I don't think it
is necessary to deprecated them. (Stas)